Thomson

It’s a heck of a way to run a pre-election campaign. On the eve of an expected election, politicians usually spend their time playing up good news, downplaying the bad, shaking hands and kissing babies.

Say aloha with a helping hand

Generous journey

Taro field in the Hanalei Valley of Kauai Hawaii.

Photograph by: David Smith
, Fotolia.com

Hawaii has been a source of great pleasure for visitors for many years — now there are a host of ways to give back to the islands.

Volunteering provides the opportunity to engage with residents in meaningful ways to share values, stories and friendships made in the most authentic ways possible. Here are just a few of the ways to add meaning to your Hawaiian vacation:

Restore a taro patch

Spend a morning at one of Oahu’s most beautiful off-the-beaten-path locations and join a community workday at Kakoo Oiwi. Clearing invasive vegetation, weeding and maintaining existing taro, or building auwai (irrigation ditches) for new taro will give you a new appreciation for Hawaiian culture, farming, and ecology. www.kakoooiwi.org

Clean the coastline

A group of surfers, divers, sunbathers and ocean lovers formed Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH) to give back to the coastlines that inspired them so much. The organization’s members organize fun beach cleanup days around various parts of Oahu, promoting community service and education along the way. www.sustainablecoastlines.org

Stewardship at the Summit

In addition to the state’s only active volcano, not many people know that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii Island) features endless acres of impressive rainforests. Volunteers can help keep these rainforests in pristine condition by signing up for the Stewardship at the Summit program. Tropical birds will provide a sweet serenade as you help clear invasive plants for a half-day. www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

Help animals

The Maui Humane Society’s “Helping Paws” is a volunteer program for pet-deprived visitors who want to interact with and help homeless animals. The Helping Paws Visitor Program takes place at the Maui Humane Center shelter every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon and involves pre-planned activities such as walking dogs, bathing puppies, brushing cats, or playing with puppies and kittens — an important part of their socialization. www.mauihumanesociety.org

Count whales

A conservation group needs your help monitoring humpback whales from the shores of Oahu, Hawaii Island and Kauai. Not only is this a fun volunteer activity, but it also helps provide population and distribution information on humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands. Upcoming Sanctuary Ocean Count dates are Feb. 22 and March 29. www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

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